How to read and verify a peptide Certificate of Analysis
A Certificate of Analysis records reported tests for an identified sample or batch. To assess it, check the original report, match the material and available batch records, and read each result with its method and units. A report for the same compound alone does not establish that it covers your vial.
Start with the document and sample details
Record the report number, issuing laboratory, material name, sample or batch identifier, relevant dates, methods and results. Keep the intended specification separate from the measured result.
ICH Q7 describes COA documentation, including material and batch identification, acceptance limits and results. This is a useful benchmark, not evidence that a research supplier has been certified to it.
Verify the original, then match the purchase
Use the laboratory's original verification page where one is supplied. Compare the retrieved record with the file you received, including report number and sample description. Save the original file and verification address with your order record.
Next compare the compound, labelled quantity and any batch identifier on your packaging. A genuine report can still be unrelated to a particular purchase. If a label lacks a batch identifier, ask support what records connect that order to the submitted sample. Treat an unresolved link as unresolved.
Read the individual results
Do not fill in absent fields from a marketing claim. An omitted test has no result on that report. For details on analytical scope, continue to the linked testing-method and traceability guides.
| Report field | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Identity | What analytical evidence supports the stated compound or sequence? |
| Purity | What does the percentage mean under this method? |
| Quantity | Is the result an amount per vial, and on what reporting basis? |
| Microbial tests | Were sterility or endotoxin tests actually performed? |
| Dates | Is this a test date, release date, retest date or supported expiry date? |
What to do when FSD documentation is missing
The COA library shows reports currently published. Batch identifiers and public batch-specific documentation are available for selected products; not every supplied vial has publicly traceable batch records. If there is no matching report, send support your order reference, product name, strength and clear label photographs.
Ask which report, if any, can be linked to that purchase. Do not substitute another strength or batch. Keep the response with the original documents so another member of your laboratory can understand the evidence and its gaps.
Common questions
Does a verification link prove that a report covers my vial?
It helps verify the laboratory record. The separate connection between that record and your vial still depends on matching identifiers and supporting order or batch records.
Does an older COA mean a vial has expired?
A report date is not automatically a manufacturing or expiry date. Ask for the available batch and storage information, and any expiry or retest date supported for that material.
Sources & scope
These references explain analytical and research principles. They do not certify FSD BIO LABS or provide evidence about a particular FSD batch.
- ICH Q7: Good Manufacturing Practice Guidance for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients — FDA / ICH
Sections 11.4 and 17 describe COA contents, original report references and batch traceability. Used as a documentation benchmark; it does not establish FSD's GMP status. - ICH Q1A(R2): Stability Testing of New Drug Substances and Products — EMA / ICH
Stability evidence is tied to material, formulation, container, conditions and time; storage statements and shelf life need supporting data. The EMA landing page lists this as the effective version.